I am so excited Pantone announced the color of the year for 2015- Marsala 18-1438. To make things even better, for those of you who are like me and don't enjoy waiting, CND is showcasing some already existing colors in their Vinylux line that are tres Marsala.

The Versatility of Marsala

Equally appealing to men and women, Marsala is a stirring and flavorful shade for apparel and accessories, one that encourages color creativity and experimentation

Flattering against many skin tones, sultry and subtle Marsala is a great go-to color for beauty, providing a captivating pop of color for nails.

Dramatic and at the same time grounding, the rich and full-bodied red-brown Marsala brings color warmth into home interiors"

According to CND, "What better way to experiment with such a rich and full-bodied color than on your nails? CND’s VINYLUX® Weekly Polish collection includes a variety of Marsala-esque shades that are perfect for incorporating 2015’s Color of the Year into your daily look!"

And well all know how much I absolutely Love CND's Vinylux. ("a two-part system consisting of a Color Coat that adheres directly to the nail, eliminating the need for a base coat, and Top Coat with ProLight Technology, that increases in durability with exposure to natural light. The system dries in 8 ½ minutes for a full week of chip-free wear!")

Bloodline: a dark red creme with blue undertones. A great everyday sophisticated shade.

Decadence: a true red creme, with blue undertones. It is much lighter than "Bloodline" mentioned prior.

Scarlet Letter: a classic bright red creme. This was the lightest of all the shades mentioned. This is an everyday year round red as well. You can't go wrong with.

Masquerade: a deep shimmering berry.

(all swatches shown here are two coats).

I personally really like Marsala. I think it is a pleasant neutral shade that suits both men and women well. It will be interesting to see how it plays out in the spring and summer months. Perhaps with a glitter sheen, or a matte finish, playing around with the texture and appearance of the color might breathe new light into it as the weather warms up.

Nonetheless, with the five shades discussed above you have an excellent start to being right on trend. They all painted on incredibly smoothly, and had excellent coverage in two coats. My personal favorites include: Crimson Sash, Bloodline, and Decadence.

Ever since I stumbled across the amazing technological feats of 3D Printed Nails created by NY based artists The Laser Girls, Sarah Awad & Dhemerae Ford, I knew I had to pick these girls brains. Check out my exclusive interview with The Laser Girls !

1) How did you two get together initially?

We met as student in NYU’s art department in a class about 3D printing. From there, we were both hired at NYU’s Advanced Media Studio, the university’s 3D printing fabrication lab. Although we had known and worked with each other for 2.5 years, it was not until August of 2013 when we actually collaborated on work

2) What’s your technical background?

We are both trained artists who stared out as painters, but have grown into not just artists with well rounded skills, such as 3D modeling and drawing etc. but technicians and machine operators as well.

3) How did you gals get started with this?

We were given an opportunity to participate in the first all-3D-printed art show in New York called “3D-Notion.” Because we had both already shown our own work around at several other exhibitions, we thought it would be fun to collaborate on a project and show something new. We created a mask for the show which we both loved, and since then we’ve been working together. The nails formed out of that collaboration.

4) What major problems did you face in the beginning?

Surprisingly, we didn’t really run into any major problems at the start which we both were very surprised by. I would say the biggest problem was and still is figuring out the best way to apply them that both lasts long and won’t damage your nails (like normal nail glue does). We’ve developed what we believe to be the best possible solution however we’re always looking out for better application practices. Any problems we did face were mostly related to strict deadlines and the inability to produce our nails as rapidly as some people demanded.

5) What inspires your designs?

We both have very different interests (Dhemerae is into science fiction and machinery and Sarah is into flora and fauna) but somehow with this project, opposites blend together to create what we consider to be unique designs.

6) Where do you envision the future going with this?

We hope to not only create more fantastical nails and push our designs to new levels, but also expand into jewelry, such as nail rings that we are currently prototyping!

I recently had the privilege of playing with the Series 2 of Artist Gel Pots from AnGel by Ikonna. .

Series 2 comes in a convenient case, perfect for traveling, and features 12 awesome new shades. Say goodbye to using traditional acrylic paint when doing nail art! These potted gels do not set or dry out, like acrylic paint, until you cure them in the light. The gels have an amazing viscosity, which makes them ideal and perfect to work with, allowing ease of control. The kit retail for $119, and will last many a manicure. I can not recommend it enough! Every manicurist that performs any type of Nail Art NEEDS this kit in there arsenal!!

The colors included in Series 2 are:

Lemonade Parade:a bright creamy yellow

Blank Pages:a pure bright white

She’s Got Envy: a great and creamy grass green

Pinch Me Pink: a flamingo pink

Frostbite:a cement gray

Fresh Face: a peach apricot

In the Buff: a caramel camel

Ice Cold Stares: robin’s egg blue

Lavishly Lavender:a deep grape purple

Peri”wink”le:a cornflower blurple (blue/purple hybrid)

Sparkle My Interest: a glistening dark gunmetal metallic

Silver Stars Shine: a metallic silver

For more information, or to purchase AnGel products, check them out here: http://ikonna.com/

Back side of the film, with pre- designed shapes. All you have to do is cut!

Front side of a film sheet.

nail film close up

additional nail films

nail films

some of the nail film options

The contents of an Intro Kit

Introducing this awesome new technology that will Wow your clients and nail art lovers alike! I had the pleasure of meeting the creator of Empower Nail Art at the ISSE convention recently. Not only did he explain to me all about his awesome creation, but he commissioned celebrity Nail Artist Kandi Banks, aka KandiYamz, to perform demonstrations.

The product is an adhesive film, NOT a foil or a transfer. It is significantly thinner and more flexible than traditional nail decals/polish strips presently on the market. Also, unlike Minx, this does not require any heat or special light fixture to set it, the product is ready to go as is!

The nail films are specifically designed to be used either on their own over the natural nail, or to accompany Any conventional acrylic, polish, or gel that you wish.

The Intro Kit, featured above, has everything you need to get started, and retails for under $50:

– 1 Nail Template: can be used to create full finger wraps in 11 different sizes, and in 4 cuticle shapes.

– 1 Crystal File: to file off and remove excessive product at the free edge.

– 1 X-Acto Knife: for precise cutting.

– 1 pair of Squeezers: a small scissor-like apparatus to aid in post application trimming or detailing.

– 4 Half Size Nail Film sheets: so you can play around and get familiar with the product.

Full sized sheets, also pictured above, can be purchased separately and come in a variety of prints and styles. I particularly am drawn to the holographic ones. The sheets measure 3”x 7” & feature 150 different design shapes printed on the back of each film, so you can cut them out easily and perfectly in no time at all. The films retail for under $10 each.